The Metro board has directed agency staff to update its department closure policy. This is a decision prompted by complaints that customers were unable to board public transport during the protests in downtown Los Angeles.
According to Los Angeles County supervisor and resigning board chair Janice Hahn, her office received comments and complaints about the station’s closure and suspension of service during the King’s protest “many people were stuck.”
Hearn described the protest as “peaceful” until law enforcement officials issued a notice of dissolution.
“I heard people were walking miles to go out. These were people who were dispersed because they were ordered to disperse,” Hahn said.
Hearn introduced the claim on Friday. This motion directed staff to update agency protocols regarding station closures only when necessary, and to improve messaging to inform riders of such behavior.
Metro officials said Little Tokyo Station was closed for about 8 to 12 hours each day between June 8th and 13th. Other downtown stations have also been temporarily closed, with the decision to ensure public safety.
Downtown bus services were also rerouted in that time slot.
Metro’s Deputy Director of Security Law Enforcement, Robert Gummer, added that the station’s closure is also based on requests from law enforcement partners such as the Los Angeles Police Department and the LA County Sheriff’s Office.
The board also addressed concerns about federal immigration enforcement projects that allegedly arise in the bus and rail system.
Gummer emphasized that Metro “will not collect customer information related to the immigration situation.”
The agency is trying to contact the Metro operations and security workers by providing specific guidance to employees “to not attempt or interfere with law enforcement activities.”
Gummer said the agency would prevent US immigration and customs enforcement officers from entering so-called non-public areas unless they own a judicial warrant.
He added that the transport system that occurred in El Monte from 5:20pm to 5:30pm on June 12th was only one of the verifiable ice officers.
According to Gummer, immigration officers were spotted asking subway customers about immigration status and attended for about 10-15 minutes.
Metro ran a Knowledge Rights Campaign and provided training to staff to inform riders about their constitutional rights. County officials will provide what is known as the Red Card, an information card that helps immigrants claim legal rights when they encounter immigrants.
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